Plane crashes at airshow; pilot killed

September 17, 2011

MARTINSBURG - An aircraft with the Trojan Horsemen aircraft demo team has crashed at the Thunder Over the Blue Ridge open house and airshow during the tribute to the Armed Forces segment, killing the pilot.

The plane involved in the crash is registered to John Mangan of Concord, N.C., and was built in 1958. According to the demo team's website, Jack "Flash" Mangan, an alternate wing team member, is a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. He spent 13 years in active duty, flying more than 2,500 hours in F-15 and F-4 aircraft. While in the service, he earned several awards, including three Meritorious Service Medals and the Tactical Air Command's Instructor Pilot of the Year award. Mangan now has more than 4,000 flight hours and holds Airline Transport Pilot and sailplane ratings.

There were no other injuries reported. The remainder of the airshow has been canceled.

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An aircraft with the Trojan Horsemen aircraft demo team has crashed at the Thunder Over the Blue Rid

"We were fortunate that the safety measures put in place by the Federal Aviation Administration ensured the safety of those on the ground," said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard. "Right now our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the deceased."

The mid-20th century aircraft was part of a six-plane formation from the T-28 Warbird Aerobatic Formation Demonstration Team, which is the only such group in the world. The team, is based in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The crash occurred at 2:32 p.m. at the 167th Airlift Wing during a stunt where two T-28s were flying belly-to-belly. After the aircraft split, the plane that was heading west out of the maneuver wobbled and went straight into the ground, disintegrating into a ball of fire upon impact. The plane crashed between the taxiway and runway in front of the hangars.

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A Trojan Horsemen aircraft, T-28 Trojan Horsemen Warbird Formation Acrobatic Team, explodes into flames as it crashes during Saturday Thunder Over the Blue Ridge open house and airshow in Martinsburg. The crash occurred during a stunt where two Horsemen were flying belly-to-belly. After the aircrafts split, the plane that was heading west out of the maneuver lost control, rolled and crashed on the runway in front of the hangers. (Journal-Ron Agnir)

Emergency crews work at the site of a Trojan Horsemen aircraft crash Saturday during the Thunder Over the Blue Ridge open house and airshow in Martinsburg. (Journal-Ron Agnir)

The plane that crashed Saturday during the Thunder Over the Blue Ridge open house and airshow in Martinsburg was part of the six-plane T-28 Trojan Horsemen Warbird Formation Acrobatic Team, which is seen performing at Saturday's show just prior to the crash. Following the crash, the remaining five planes circles the airfield for sometime as emergency crews worked at the crash site. (Journal-Ron Agnir)

Photo courtesy of Jim RodgersMaj. Jack 'Flash' Mangan prepares to take off at the Thunder Over the Blue Ridge open house and airshow. A plane registered to Mangan was the one that crashed at the event.

Photo courtesy of Derek Sterling

"Their performance is a patriotic 'Salute to the Armed Forces' choreographed to music. The aircraft are North American T-28 Trojans with 1425 HP radial engines, smoke systems, and sport authentic military paint schemes. The team consists of former military pilots, decorated veterans, instructors, airline pilots, and experienced civilian air show pilots. The team is affiliated with Veterans Airlift Command which provides free air transportation to veterans and their families for medical and other compassionate purposes," said Nicolas Diehl when announcing the act in June for the airshow.

Thousands of spectators could be seen crying, hugging and praying following the incident.

National Guard officials and representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration are on scene investigating the accident.